The afternoon sun spilled through the tall windows of Crescent High’s library, casting long, warm streaks across the polished floors. Aria sat at one of the study tables, her notes spread in a somewhat organized chaos. The day’s debate exercises still hovered in her mind—the sharp words, the smirks, and Damian’s calculated scrutiny. Her chest felt heavier than usual, the tension from earlier refusing to dissipate.
She had almost convinced herself that she could push Damian aside, that she could focus on her own growth, until Luca appeared at the edge of the table, holding something in his hands.
“Hey,” he said softly, his calm tone cutting through the lingering storm in her mind. “Mind if I sit?”
Aria shook her head, offering a small smile. “Of course not.”
He sat across from her, plac
